The nonprofit Appalachian Theatre of the High Country was established in 2012 to renovate, restore, preserve, operate, program and manage the historic 1938 Appalachian Theatre for the benefit and enjoyment of both residents and visitors to the High Country region of North Carolina. After 8 long years of fundraising and community effort, the $10 million renovation of the property was completed. With its Art Deco beauty restored, the theatre re-opened to the public on October 14, 2019 as a performing arts center housing a 629 seat theatre and meeting room.